McFarland: Fantasy Football Utilization Report following NFL Week 8

Fantasy performance occurs at the intersection of efficiency and opportunity. While most fantasy players and fans can recite empty efficiency stats such as yards per carry and yards per reception by memory, most don't have a real grasp of a player's utilization.

Opportunity is the lifeblood of fantasy performance. Thanks to statistics such as average depth of target (aDOT), air yards, routes run and quarterback dropbacks, we have a greater understanding of player utilization.

For 2020, using proprietary PFF data, readers will now have unique insights into several new utilization metrics available only in this report.

Two-minute offense
Four-minute offense
Third and fourth down with over 7 yards to go (LDD)
Play action
Open targets (two steps of separation or more)
First, next and check-down targets

With this data in hand, fantasy players can make timely and informed decisions based on the value of a player's role. Whether the goal is to unearth less obvious DFS plays or to know when to buy low or sell high in season-long, these trends are a crucial component of success.

Data notes and key:

Snap data includes plays called back by penalty because they provide additional play-calling and utilization intent
Pass snaps = route or pass blocking
Run snaps = rush attempt or blocking
LDD = long down and distance (third and fourth down with over seven yards to go)
4 Min = four-minute offense (score differential and time dictates slower pace)
2 Min = two-minute offense (score differential and time dictates faster pace)
aDOT = average depth of target
EZ target = end-zone target
Trailing = losing by four or more
Leading = winning by four or more
Close = score within three
BLOS = behind the line of scrimmage
Ranks = PPR season-long

Running Backs

D’Andre Swift (RB23), Detroit Lions

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